Lebanon Daily News Brief 6/30/2021

DAILY NEWS


Parliament Approves Ration Cards for Lebanese Families
Parliament approved a cash subsidy for poor families in Lebanon during a legislative session today. The cost falls at $556 million annually. [Reuters] The cash subsidies will be distributed as ration cards to hundreds of thousands of families. The ration cards are meant to support Lebanese as the government lifts essential subsidies. [The Daily Star]

US, France, and Saudi Arabia Discuss Lebanon at G20
Yesterday on the sidelines of G20 meetings, the United States, France, and Saudi Arabia held an impromptu meeting on Lebanon. The three countries discussed the need for pressure on Lebanon’s political leaders to implement overdue reforms as the country faces dire conditions. [Al Arabiya]

Lebanon Might Receive $900 Million From the IMF
Caretaker Finance Minister Ghazi Wazni announced today that Lebanon might receive $900 million from the International Monetary Fund in two months. The funding would come through the IMF’s Special Drawing Rights which is used to supplement official exchange reserves assets of IMF member countries. [The 961] Wazni explained, “This allocation is Lebanon’s share from the IMF and has nothing to do with the negotiations with the fund.” The central bank can use the $900 million for economic recovery but not to subsidize basic items. [The Daily Star]

Turkish Company Resumes Electricity Supply to Lebanon
After shutting down its power ships in May due to late payments, the Turkish company Karpowership said it will resume its electricity supply to Lebanon. Two power ships will be turned back on in a “goodwill gesture.” [Reuters] When the company cut off its electricity supply in May, it said it was owed more than $100 million from Lebanon and had not been paid in 18 months. [BBC]

OPINION & ANALYSIS


The National Interest
Lebanon’s Collapse Risks Wider Regional Strife
Alexander Langlois

Nasser writes: “Lebanon’s collapse could set off a chain reaction of events that further destabilize the region. Just as in Syria, Lebanese groups with outside backing will find themselves on opposite sides of a conflict that will certainly spill into neighboring countries. State fragmentation could fracture domestic alliances founded upon personal advancement within the state—the foundations of which could cease to exist should that state collapse. Essentially, the old approach of blaming opposing parties could regress into violence.This would have a profoundly negative impact on both Lebanese society and regional stability efforts, such as the recent dialogue between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Further, the mass displacement of potentially millions of people would have significant international implications for a world that has already rejected a massive influx of displaced Syrians over the last ten years. In simple terms, the region and world cannot afford the combined shock of state collapse in both Syria and Lebanon, nor the subsequent impact on efforts to stabilize conditions in the Middle East.”

ٍRead more here

Interzine
Lebanon’s Finest or Final Hour?
Adnan Nasser

Nasser writes: “Now, facing the worst crisis in its recent history, the Lebanese must ask themselves how they can ensure the mistakes of the Cedar Revolution are not repeated. Lebanon’s October protest movement awakened a cross-sectarian demand for dignity in life and accountability in government. For the Lebanese protesters to achieve victory, they must never allow discredited politicians to return to power based on divisive sectarian politics. The dark days of a Lebanon ethnically and religiously split must be put to rest. Whether or not the Lebanese people will reject those who have looted their country for decades and unite around a common identity remains to be seen.”

ٍRead more here

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the American Task Force on Lebanon, a non-profit, nonpartisan leadership organization of Lebanese-Americans.

Lebanon Daily News Brief 6/29/2021

DAILY NEWS


Gasoline and Fuel Prices Increase 35 Percent
Following caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab approval, the central bank opened credit lines to import fuel at the new higher exchanger rate of LL3,900 to the dollar instead of the previous LL1,507 rate. [Reuters] Today, Lebanon’s energy minister raised gasoline and fuel prices by 35 percent and the price of gasoline reached LL62,000/20 liters. [AP] In an attempt to urge Lebanese to remain calm, a representative of Lebanon’s fuel distributors said that six ships have started to unload fuel and that distribution to gas stations will begin soon. [The 961]

Banks Close After Assault on Lebanese Swiss Bank
After the Lebanese Swiss Bank was assaulted yesterday during protests, it issued a statement that it would close its branches and offices today. Banks throughout Lebanon are closing in solidarity. The Lebanese Swiss Bank said about 100 men stormed its headquarters and forced employees to transfer money to Turkey. [Reuters]

Lebanese Pound Hit New Low Over the Weekend
Black market dealers exchanged Lebanese pounds today for LL17,300 to the dollar and bought dollars at LL17,200. On Saturday the pound reached a record low value of 17,950. [The Daily Star]

OPINION & ANALYSIS


Middle East Institute
Lebanon’s Cautious But Contagious Electoral Optimism
Christophe Abi-Nassif

Abi-Nassif writes: “Since the Lebanese protest movement erupted in October 2019, alternative political groups have been scoring increasingly frequent wins against establishment parties in student and syndicate elections…To both inside and outside observers, the hypothesis that fair and transparent elections with a united opposition won’t make a difference is now weakened at worst, dispelled at best…The electoral battles that secular alternative political parties have been waging and winning over the past few months reflect the cautious but contagious optimism that change, even if partial, can come through the ballot box in 2022. With the current establishment expected to actually call for and hold these elections, and alternative political parties expected to capitalize on recent gains and lessons learned, the ball is now in both courts.”

ٍRead more here

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the American Task Force on Lebanon, a non-profit, nonpartisan leadership organization of Lebanese-Americans.

An Appeal from Lebanon – Help Save the Health System as it Nears Collapse

Over the past month, as the lira continued to devaluate and the coming end of subsidies and government funds erodes the public and private health sector, the LEBANON RELIEF PROJECT has received numerous requests for supplies and equipment to save and rebuild lives. Here at ATFL, we are providing this information to you to appeal to your generosity once again to HELP LEBANON HEAL.

Here are some of the more poignant notes we have received. The first is from a Lebanese-American doctor who has been very active in relief efforts.

Reading daily stories of worsening medical conditions in Lebanon including reports from my colleagues at the once prominent medical centers in Lebanon of routine cases that go untreated, and recourse to closing down hospital wards despite increased demand for care is simply revolting. As a nephrologist, the most recent report of dialysis shortage and resulting certain slow miserable death of about 10,000 dialysis dependent adults and children goes beyond mere revolt: this no different from any crime against humanity, and should be treated as such by the world. We physicians have taken the oath to preserve a sacred life, no matter whose it is. These few remaining specialists in Lebanon are asked to save lives with their hands
tied behind their backs.

Kidney failure death is slow, bitter, and certain, yet completely preventable. We cannot watch in silence as these crimes being committed against helpless patients who have no other recourse continues. Helping these patients is an immediate need, otherwise it’s like watching a hostage- taker eliminate his hostages one at a time.

And another cri du coeur…

Dear Expatriates…
Please keep Lebanon in your hearts and minds. Lebanon is in deep pain and suffering.

We urge the United Nations and the friends of Lebanon to remove all the selfish, corrupt politicians. And give us back a little dignity! Where are the basic human rights that you stand for in the world? Who will help us avoid the total collapse of the health center system? The list of needs is endless and we are on the brink of collapse. Can we really wait until the elections in 2022 with people starving, health professionals leaving, communities fighting each other over medicine and bread? What good are elections in 2022 with the ballot boxes surrounding by dying people and their families? Don’t you think we have suffered enough?!

Finally, here’s a detailed description of the systemic failure of health care in the country provided by an NGO working throughout the country.

I am writing this email to gently refocus and redirect your kind attention to the current situation at our beloved country Lebanon. As you all know, with your past help, we made a difference, but I want to frankly let you know that our help today, tomorrow, and for a few months thereafter coupled with sustainable support remain badly needed as much as before, if not much more.
Our on the ground situation is dire and will be more chaotic. With the constant increase of the exchange rate to the US dollar and the eventual lifting of subsidies, pharmacies and
bakeries supplying basic medications and bread will close because of hyperinflation and lack of inventory.

Healthcare, social welfare and food security are central to the foundation of any society. Our government and civil systems are failing to provide our fellow citizens with their respective minimal needs and that will lead to more chaos and, God forbid, civil obedience. Please, let us put our hands together again to continue providing medications and other necessary items to help alleviate the sufferings of these innocent men and women living within this maze run by uncaring leaders.

Thanks to the Center for Arab American Philanthropy, the Lebanon Relief Project aggregates 100% of your donation with others and provides funding to well-respected, honest, and dynamic NGOs and community organizations working to help all Lebanese throughout the country.

Donate now at this link or contact LRP at its website www.lebanonreliefproject.com.

If you have medical supplies, equipment, or companies that can help in this most critical hour of need, reach out at rashalbaz@gmail.com , the volunteer co-director of LRP.

Lebanon Daily News Brief 6/28/2021

DAILY NEWS


Protests Erupt Over the Weekend
Protests erupted in Lebanon this weekend as conditions continue to deteriorate. On Saturday, protesters tried to storm central bank offices and set fire to the entrance of a government office. [France 24] In Tripoli and Sidon, demonstrators showed up throughout the weekend and set up road blocks with burning tires. [AP] The Lebanese army was deployed in response. Nine soldiers and nine civilians have been injured. [Arab News]

Fuel Subsidy Reduction Starts Today
On Friday, Caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab approved a proposal to reduce fuel subsidies that would finance fuel imports at a rate of LL3,900 to the dollar instead of the previous rate of LL1,507 to the dollar. [Bloomberg] Today the central bank announced it would open credit lines to import fuel at the LL3,900 rate. [Reuters] Some experts say the price of gasoline is expected to double as a result of the subsidy reduction. [Al Jazeera]

Lawyer’s Office Partially Destroyed by Blast
Sakhr al-Hashem, a lawyer known for taking on controversial cases and counsel to one of the Beirut port explosion detainees, reported that a blast hit his office in Furn el-Chebbak today. The source of the blast is unknown but some reports say it was caused by an electric water heater. [Naharnet]

OPINION & ANALYSIS


Lebanon: The Staying Power of the Ruling Caste, and the Stalled ‘WhatsApp Revolution’
Samir Daher

Daher writes: “In my view it is because many, beholden not to the state and its institutions but to their respective clan godfathers – who have engrained in the individual and collective psyche a culture of dependency and cronyism over the values of citizenry – blame political opponents for the nation’s woes, and fear that in the absence of their protective godfathers, the alternative to today’s near collapse could be an even more calamitous fate, an ‘Apocalypse’ of sort…Although the various relief measures go some way in easing the pain of many Lebanese households, the political outcome may be disheartening and could come as a shocking disappointment for those who hope to drive the ruling caste out of power at next year’s elections – were they to be held on schedule – especially under the existing made-to-measure electoral law and the fragmented, ineffectual opposition of the ‘WhatsApp mutineers.’”

ٍRead more here

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the American Task Force on Lebanon, a non-profit, nonpartisan leadership organization of Lebanese-Americans.

This Week In Lebanon: 6/28/2021

JUNE 28, 2021
US and France United in Applying Pressure
BDL Asks the Government to Authorize Bank Loans to the State
David Gardner Writes on Forthcoming Sanctions

US and France United in Applying Pressure on Lebanese Officials
In a press conference, US Secretary of State Tony Blinken and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian stated their intentions to work together to pressure Lebanese officials to act. Le Drian said, “We have decided to put pressure on those responsible. We know who they are.” Blinken added, “We need to see real leadership in Beirut.” [The Arab Weekly]

ANALYSIS

“The announcement by the US and France to join together to ramp up pressure on Lebanese politicians is a hopeful sign. This is a last ditch effort to encourage Lebanon‘s political leaders to finally put in place a reformist government capable of addressing the needs of the Lebanese people. They should be joined now with the International Support Group and other countries that will speak with one voice, and leave no choice but for the political leaders to respond to the needs of their citizens or face the consequences of sanctions on individual obstructionists.”

-ATFL President Edward M. Gabriel

Read ATFL’s response to joint US-France action here.


BDL Asks the Government to Authorize Bank Loans to the State
The Banque Du Liban recently asked the government in a statement to provide the central bank with a legal basis to lend the government foreign currency from its reserves. The loan would help fund subsidized fuel imports. [Reuters] In the statement, BDL stressed Article 91 of the Money and Credit Law which requires the central bank to grant the government loans from its foreign currency reserves. [The Daily Star]

ANALYSIS

“Riad Salameh, the Governor of the Central Bank, is in no mood to do the government any favors. He says that the Bank was compelled by legislation to fund huge government deficits in the past decade which led to the economic freefall that became widespread in 2019. Now, with subsidies draining the remaining liquidity in the Bank and President Aoun calling for continued subsidies for fuel imports, the Bank has asked the government to take the necessary legal steps, undefined, to begin using its reserves to keep vehicles moving. The Bank has become a champion for reforming the subsidy regime and is calling for broad reforms in the public sector as well. Will the government agree to share the hot seat of public anger?”

-ATFL Policy Director Jean AbiNader


OPINION PIECE

David Gardner Writes on Forthcoming Sanctions on Lebanese Politicians
In a Financial Times op-ed, David Gardner says sanctions could force Lebanon’s political leaders to govern by forming a cabinet and making necessary reforms, and indeed sanctions on certain officials are being prepared. He writes, “There is growing conviction inside and outside Lebanon that the elites will only start to bargain if their bank accounts and property assets (mostly abroad are hit and they are prevented from traveling.”

ANALYSIS

“There is an argument repeated frequently that sanctions don’t work, so why bother. Well, ask Iran why it’s bothering to get out from under sanctions in the Vienna talks. Sanctions, if targeted at the right individuals regardless of affiliation, can be a useful tool in reining in kleptocrats who care little for the damage they do to satisfy their greed. Sanctions by France, the UK, and Switzerland are critical to the success of a sanctions regime since most Lebanese leaders have their assets in Europe, not the US. It would be helpful if expatriate Lebanese in those countries, working with Transparency International Lebanon and others could expedite sanctions on personal fortunes tucked away in Europe.”

-ATFL Policy Director Jean AbiNader

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the American Task Force on Lebanon, a non-profit, nonpartisan leadership organization of Lebanese-Americans.

Lebanon Daily News Brief 6/25/2021

DAILY NEWS


Caretaker PM Approves Fuel Subsidy Reduction
Today Caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab approved a proposal to reduce fuel subsidies that had been draining the foreign currency reserves. The proposal will finance fuel imports at a rate of LL3,900 to the dollar instead of the current rate of LL1,507 to the dollar. [Bloomberg]

US and France United in Applying Pressure on Lebanese Officials
In a press conference, US Secretary of State Tony Blinken and French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian stated their intentions to work together to pressure Lebanese officials to act. Le Drian said, “We have decided to put pressure on those responsible. We know who they are.” [The Daily Star]

Fuel Crisis Takes a Toll on Lebanon’s Migrant Community
Lebanon’s fuel crisis is taking a toll on the country’s migrant community. The gas station association’s spokesperson Georges Brax says gas stations in Lebanon employ more than 10,000 people and most employees are migrant workers from Egypt, Sudan, Syria, and Bangladesh. Employees’ wages have deteriorated since the start of the economic and financial crises. Because of security concerns including physical assault and black mail, gas station owners have asked the Internal Security Forces for protection. [Reuters]

OPINION & ANALYSIS


Lebanon: The Staying Power of the Ruling Caste, and the Stalled ‘WhatsApp Revolution’
Samir Daher

Daher writes: “In my view it is because many, beholden not to the state and its institutions but to their respective clan godfathers – who have engrained in the individual and collective psyche a culture of dependency and cronyism over the values of citizenry – blame political opponents for the nation’s woes, and fear that in the absence of their protective godfathers, the alternative to today’s near collapse could be an even more calamitous fate, an ‘Apocalypse’ of sort…Although the various relief measures go some way in easing the pain of many Lebanese households, the political outcome may be disheartening and could come as a shocking disappointment for those who hope to drive the ruling caste out of power at next year’s elections – were they to be held on schedule – especially under the existing made-to-measure electoral law and the fragmented, ineffectual opposition of the ‘WhatsApp mutineers.’”

ٍRead more here

Financial Times
Sanctions Could Force Lebanon’s Politicians to Govern
David Gardner

Gardner writes: “The sectarian mafias that lord [the crises] over Lebanon are insulated by their billions in ill-gotten wealth from the misery and hunger suffered by the poor, or by the sinking middle class whose bank deposits they have for most practical purposes confiscated…The day-to-day political gridlock in Lebanon — without a government since Beirut’s port erupted in a mushroom cloud 11 months ago — is the latest chapter in the sectarian quest for advantage by Sunni and Shia Muslims, Christians and Druze among the country’s 18 recognized sects and their myriad parties…There is growing conviction inside and outside Lebanon that the elites will only start to bargain if their bank accounts and property assets (mostly held abroad) are hit and they are prevented from traveling. Europeans are now preparing sanctions on those obstructing the formation of a government and involved in corrupt practices.”

ٍRead more here

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the American Task Force on Lebanon, a non-profit, nonpartisan leadership organization of Lebanese-Americans.

Lebanon: The staying power of the ruling caste, and the stalled “WhatsApp revolution*”

In the eye of the storm, Lebanon is in the midst of the most acute social and humanitarian crisis it has known through its recorded history (save possibly the 1915 Great Famine that decimated one third of Mount Lebanon’s population). The banking system has failed, the people are facing rising unemployment and poverty and inflation, and many families are surviving on handouts and food assistance. This situation has been tragically compounded by the devastating toll of the pandemic and the aftermath of the Beirut port explosion. As the government intends to phase out subsidies given vanishing foreign reserves and drop in capital inflows, it [the non-government] is considering a welfare scheme with cash transfers to 80% of the population, a percentage of beneficiaries hardly seen under social welfare programs elsewhere. Last year, the World Bank referred to the situation in Lebanon as a “deliberate depression,” brought about by reckless policies and unconscionable lack of response by the Nomenklatura holding the nation’s destiny for nearly half a century and now presiding over its demise.

History will judge Lebanon’s leadership for dereliction of duty, some may say criminal negligence, for abandoning nearly destitute people on a steep slope into the abyss. Rather than charting a road to recovery, this leadership is oblivious to the pain of a nation buffeted by the vagaries of regional politics and partisan rivalries, leaving its people to the whims of an overreaching central bank blatantly mishandling monetary policy and tinkering with the wreckage of a banking sector methodically defrauding an ever-shrinking middle class.

The dire situation has been years in the making and should come as no surprise. What may be surprising is the resilience of a ruling caste ostensibly loathed and vilified by the people and weakened by months of discontent, yet still steady in the saddle on the rugged road the nation is going through on all fronts. What could explain such tenacity?

In Lebanon, nationals and foreigners alike had for a long time a standard of living well above what the country’s economic fundamentals would warrant. They enjoyed the largess of a welfare state subsidizing residents across all social strata. The regime of non-targeted subsidies usually benefitted in disproportionate ways the affluent over the poor. The main lever of this wide net of subsidy was the overvalued exchange rate which made imports so cheap that they accounted, directly or indirectly, for some 80% of Lebanon’s consumption. Conversely, local production, save for non-tradable goods (such as construction) was depressed, and exports were heavily penalized by the fictitious value of the exchange rate that made exports so expensive that they could not compete with imports of the same product.

How could Lebanon afford a fixed, over-valued exchange rate regime for nearly three decades? That was only possible given the steady capital inflows from a large Lebanese diaspora – Lebanon suffers from the “Dutch disease” where its main export commodity is its own people – and deposits lured into an overgrown banking system by lofty interest rates (and sometimes discretion and tolerance regarding the origin of incoming funds). When regional events, notably the war in Syria, an increasingly unwelcoming, at time hostile business environment, and shameless governance practices disrupted the smooth inflows, the unstable imports-and-consumption-based economic model could no longer be sustained. The pillars of the whole structure (currency value, banking system, public finance, social welfare, and way of life) caved in, abruptly spelling the end of the joy ride.

Yet, almost two years after a vast cross-confessional, cross-regional and inter-generational national uprising expressed overwhelming popular discontent at the absence of credible plans and actions to manage let alone solve the crisis, innumerable natural and man-made disasters (Beirut port explosion, covid pandemic, failing health care and education systems, decaying infrastructure, irreversible environmental degradation, hollowed public institutions, plus the unbearable brunt of Syria’s 1.5 million refugees) the cohort of confessional warlords and their partisan brigades are still holding the reins of power.

In my view it is because many, beholden not to the state and its institutions but to their respective clan godfathers – who have engrained in the individual and collective psyche a culture of dependency and cronyism over the values of citizenry – blame political opponents for the nation’s woes, and fear that in the absence of their protective godfathers, the alternative to today’s near collapse could be an even more calamitous fate, an “Apocalypse” of sort.

To illustrate, say the standard of living index as a measure of Lebanon’s economic fundamentals would have been 100. Lifted by lavish subsidy, the Lebanese standard was at the 200 level. The system’s recent precipitous collapse brought it down to 40. Still, many harbor the hope of sinking no further and believe that, once their godfathers prevail upon their rivals at the polls or otherwise, those leaders – to whom they owe their jobs and livelihoods, or who shielded them from prosecution when they breached the law – will steer them through the crisis.

Feeding into the fear of the Apocalypse, the leaders’ strategy is to preserve the status quo through a variety of “bribes” until the May 2022 legislative elections. In the meantime, they are striving to maintain subsidies on essential consumption (food staples, medicine, and oil derivatives) despite creeping shortages of supply. In parallel they are proposing a scheme, assuming banks can afford it, to free part of the dollar-denominated bank deposits in targeting some 800,000 accounts of up to about US$25,000 each. During this period, the neediest are kept somewhat afloat by external and internal humanitarian assistance flowing through NGOs; a cash transfer program funded by a US$250 million World Bank loan yet to be approved by Parliament; and last, but most importantly, some US$2-3 billion in annual remittances for family support from Lebanese abroad.

In conclusion, although the various relief measures go some way in easing the pain of many Lebanese households, the political outcome may be disheartening and could come as a shocking disappointment for those who hope to drive the ruling caste out of power at next year’s elections – were they to be held on schedule – especially under the existing made-to-measure electoral law and the fragmented, ineffectual opposition of the “WhatsApp mutineers.”

However, great caution is called for in the case that serious reform leadership and governance changes cannot be secured at the polls. So far social peace has been preserved due to the good nature of the Lebanese, hot-blooded yet generally ready to help fellows in need; their proven resilience to hardship acquired throughout Lebanon’s painful history of conflict and strife; and their ability to devise substitutes for failing or sub-par public services – neighborhood power generation, private water supply through tankers, private education, and even…. private army – and the occasional lifeline provided by family members abroad.

However, with conditions ever deteriorating and no solutions in sight, tolerance of deprivation may reach its threshold, stoking social tensions which could degenerate into disturbances and violence with untold consequences on peace and stability. Were crowds of impoverished citizens to overrun metal gates now spiking around hospitals, climb fences protecting banks, break into supply stores, and block main thoroughfares, the armed forces, guardian of law and order, entrusted with protecting public and private property, would be put in a difficult spot, as too forceful a crackdown could erode the goodwill they have earned in the hearts and minds of the Lebanese people. It is not too early for those at the country’s helm to wake up to the stark situation that seems to elude them and shoulder their duties towards a people in need of salvation. But do they have the vision and willingness to do it?

(*) – Lebanon popular uprising of October 17, 2019, was prompted by a government decision, subsequently rescinded, to impose a 20-cent daily levy on WhatsApp accounts.

Samir Daher is a former economist at the World Bank and former advisor to the government of Lebanon.

The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the American Task Force on Lebanon.

Lebanon Daily News Brief 6/24/2021

DAILY NEWS


BDL Asks the Government to Authorize Bank Loans to the State
In a statement today the Banque Du Liban asked Lebanon’s government to pass a law authorizing the bank to give the state loans in foreign currency in order to finance subsidies. BDL stressed Article 91 of the Money and Credit Law which requires the central bank to grant the government loans from its foreign currency reserves. [The Daily Star]

Lebanese Pound Hits New Record Low
The Lebanese pound hit a new record low today at LL16,000 to the dollar. The last record low was earlier this month at LL15,550 to the dollar. Lebanon’s currency has now lost more than 90 percent of its value since the October 2019. [The Daily Star]

Lebanon’s Crises Have Left LGBTQI+ Communities With No Refuge
Oxfam recently released a report warning of safety concerns for queer communities in Lebanon. Research in the report looks at the effect of Lebanon’s multiple crises on the LGBTQI+ community. [Oxfam] The report finds that the community’s typical places for refuge are inaccessible and many do not have a safe living space. [Naharnet]

OPINION & ANALYSIS


Financial Times
Sanctions Could Force Lebanon’s Politicians to Govern
David Gardner

Gardner writes: “The sectarian mafias that lord [the crises] over Lebanon are insulated by their billions in ill-gotten wealth from the misery and hunger suffered by the poor, or by the sinking middle class whose bank deposits they have for most practical purposes confiscated…The day-to-day political gridlock in Lebanon — without a government since Beirut’s port erupted in a mushroom cloud 11 months ago — is the latest chapter in the sectarian quest for advantage by Sunni and Shia Muslims, Christians and Druze among the country’s 18 recognized sects and their myriad parties…There is growing conviction inside and outside Lebanon that the elites will only start to bargain if their bank accounts and property assets (mostly held abroad) are hit and they are prevented from traveling. Europeans are now preparing sanctions on those obstructing the formation of a government and involved in corrupt practices.”

ٍRead more here

People – Still at the Center of Lebanese Society
Jean AbiNader

AbiNader writes: “Time and time again, as I spent more time in workforce development, the same negative images of Arabs were repeated: lazy, hard to motivate, careless, unconcerned. I found that this was not the case at all for the Lebanese, who along with their Palestinian counterparts provided the skilled and professional workers for the first two generations working on development in the GCC. In banking, construction, computers, services, and myriad other jobs, the Lebanese excelled at building systems that would carry the GCC countries until their own citizens, educated and trained at home and abroad, stepped up to take responsibility for their national development outcomes, a process still ongoing. These negative stereotypes thrive in states where personal initiative, merit-based hiring, and achievement are subject to the whims of government employees who are paid no matter the outcomes. One only has to look at the success of expatriate Arabs to appreciate the profound and important contributions they continue to make to their countries’ development – from the outside. In Lebanon, the biggest concern today, as a result of its multiple crises, is the loss of its most valuable resource – its skilled workforce.”

ٍRead more here

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the American Task Force on Lebanon, a non-profit, nonpartisan leadership organization of Lebanese-Americans.

Lebanon Daily News Brief 6/23/2021

DAILY NEWS


Seven People Detained Over the Beirut Blast are Released
Today a Lebanese prosecutor ordered the release of seven people who were detained following the August 4 explosion at the Port of Beirut. Most are junior port employees. Those who have been detained for almost a year have not been granted due process. [AP] Human Rights Watch recently called for an international investigative mission in the Beirut blast. [HRW]

Head of Health Committee Warns of Serious Health Crisis
Today the head of Lebanon’s Parliamentary Health Committee said that the country is on the verge of a serious health crisis. MP Assem Araji warned of severe medicine supply shortages and that doctors and nurses are leaving the country. He urged for the formation of a government in order to work on reforms. [Naharnet]

New Enforcements Along the Syrian Border to Prevent Smuggling
Earlier this week demonstrators protested the customs authority’s announcement regarding smuggling along the Syrian border by blocking a highway that connects Lebanon and Syria with burned tires and metal bars. The announcement stated that authorities will strictly enforce permit requirements for vehicles going into Syria. [AP] On Monday, security forces seized a large amount of fuel that was about to leave Lebanon for Syria. [The 961]

OPINION & ANALYSIS


People – Still at the Center of Lebanese Society
Jean AbiNader

AbiNader writes: “Time and time again, as I spent more time in workforce development, the same negative images of Arabs were repeated: lazy, hard to motivate, careless, unconcerned. I found that this was not the case at all for the Lebanese, who along with their Palestinian counterparts provided the skilled and professional workers for the first two generations working on development in the GCC. In banking, construction, computers, services, and myriad other jobs, the Lebanese excelled at building systems that would carry the GCC countries until their own citizens, educated and trained at home and abroad, stepped up to take responsibility for their national development outcomes, a process still ongoing. These negative stereotypes thrive in states where personal initiative, merit-based hiring, and achievement are subject to the whims of government employees who are paid no matter the outcomes. One only has to look at the success of expatriate Arabs to appreciate the profound and important contributions they continue to make to their countries’ development – from the outside. In Lebanon, the biggest concern today, as a result of its multiple crises, is the loss of its most valuable resource – its skilled workforce.”

ٍRead more here

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the American Task Force on Lebanon, a non-profit, nonpartisan leadership organization of Lebanese-Americans.

Lebanon Daily News Brief 6/22/2021

DAILY NEWS


Gas Stations Ask ISF for Security Protection
The fuel shortage has led to heightened tensions and security concerns at Lebanon’s gas stations as Lebanese struggle to fill up their vehicles. More than 140 gas stations are now refusing to receive more gasoline from distributors because of the security concerns. They say their workers have faced physical assault and black mail and are calling on the Internal Security forces for protection. [Naharnet]

Lebanon Raises Bread Prices For the Fifth Time in a Year
For the fifth time in a year, Lebanon has raised the price of subsidized bread 18 percent more than the last raise in February. The MInistry of Economy and Trade said it had to raise bread prices because the central bank ended sugar subsidies which raises the cost of bread production. [Al Jazeera]

Lebanon’s Elderly Struggle to Take Care of Themselves
The elderly in Lebanon are having a difficult time caring for themselves as the country continues to face economic and financial crises. About 10 percent of Lebanon’s population is over 65 years old and around 80 percent of them do not have retirement benefits or health care coverage. Those who had savings stored up in banks have been unable to access their money and because of the currency devaluation savings accounts have lost about 90 percent of their value. [AP]

OPINION & ANALYSIS


People – Still at the Center of Lebanese Society
Jean AbiNader

AbiNader writes: “Time and time again, as I spent more time in workforce development, the same negative images of Arabs were repeated: lazy, hard to motivate, careless, unconcerned. I found that this was not the case at all for the Lebanese, who along with their Palestinian counterparts provided the skilled and professional workers for the first two generations working on development in the GCC. In banking, construction, computers, services, and myriad other jobs, the Lebanese excelled at building systems that would carry the GCC countries until their own citizens, educated and trained at home and abroad, stepped up to take responsibility for their national development outcomes, a process still ongoing. These negative stereotypes thrive in states where personal initiative, merit-based hiring, and achievement are subject to the whims of government employees who are paid no matter the outcomes. One only has to look at the success of expatriate Arabs to appreciate the profound and important contributions they continue to make to their countries’ development – from the outside. In Lebanon, the biggest concern today, as a result of its multiple crises, is the loss of its most valuable resource – its skilled workforce.”

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Foreign Policy
The Lebanese Army Needs Cash
Bilal Saab

Saab writes: “The policy debate in Washington, intensified during the Trump administration, over whether the United States should increase or even continue its support of the Lebanese army misses a fundamental point: For the United States, the force – whose commander, Gen. Joseph Aoun, just this week was desperately asking for assistance at a French-led donor conference – is the only game in town that can preserve the United States’ position and influence in the country.”

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these articles are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the American Task Force on Lebanon, a non-profit, nonpartisan leadership organization of Lebanese-Americans.